Are human brain organoids cloned human individuals? An ethical analysis

Abstract

In recent years, there has been much ethical debate about human brain organoid research. However, the possibility that human brain organoids might be human individuals has not been examined. This is an important issue because if human brain organoids are human individuals, then the creation of human brain organoids could be a form of human reproductive cloning. We examine the implications of two mainstream bioethical views on the nature of human individuals for human brain organoids: (1) Functional Integration Theory, the view that the capacity to integrate vital functions is the criterion for human individuality, and (2) Mental State Theory, the view that some mental capacity is the criterion for human individuality. We find that under either theory of human individuality, human brain organoids could be human individuals in the future. According to a version of Functional Integration Theory that locates the integrative function in the human brainstem (Brainstem Theory), a well-developed human brainstem organoid can be a human individual. Further, on Mental State Theory, a human brain organoid with certain mental capacities can be a human individual. Our results, combined with the ban on human reproductive cloning, may provide some reasons to be more cautious in human brain organoid research. Alternatively, in light of the progress in human brain organoid research, it may be necessary to reconsider the ethics and laws surrounding human reproductive cloning. This research paves the way for the first time to examine the question of great ethical importance whether human brain organoids can be human individuals, and encourages further consideration.